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In a significant development within the UK’s cryptocurrency landscape, authorities have recently apprehended two individuals linked to an alleged illicit digital currency exchange operation, reportedly involving over £1 billion.
This move underscores an ongoing effort by regulatory bodies to clamp down on unregulated financial activities within the crypto sector.
Arrests Made In Billion-Pound Crypto Laundering Bust
The arrests, carried out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in collaboration with the London police, targeted a 38-year-old and a 44-year-old, who have since been released on bail pending further investigations.
The crackdown occurred amidst increasing vigilance against money laundering activities through digital currencies. The FCA’s Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, Therese Chambers, emphasized the agency’s commitment to expunging “dirty money” from the UK’s financial ecosystem.
During the operation, authorities raided two London properties, seizing several devices as part of the evidence collection process.
As reported by Bloomberg, Under UK financial legislation, all crypto-related businesses must register with the FCA and adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
Furthermore, the recent actions reflect a broader initiative to tighten oversight on cryptocurrency exchanges and related services, which have been under increased scrutiny due to their potential misuse for financial crimes.
UK Regulatory Pressure Mounts Amid Tightening Crypto Oversight
Speaking of the UK regulator’s crackdown, Binance, the world’s largest digital currency exchange, is still dealing with its legal saga with these regulators.
Just recently, the crypto exchange revealed it is attempting to dismiss much of a £10 billion lawsuit in London, where it is accused alongside other platforms of removing Bitcoin Satoshi Vision (BSV) from their listings.
The case, representing over 200,000 BSV owners, claims the exchanges participated in anti-competitive actions that significantly devalued the digital currency, potentially costing up to £9 billion in losses.
Binance has contested specific aspects of the lawsuit but not its overall admittance under the UK’s collective action framework.
Meanwhile, UK regulatory bodies are advancing their control over digital asset operations. The government recently intends to enact new digital currency regulations within six months, covering various activities from exchange operations to custodial services.
The Economic Secretary highlighted that this new framework would bring numerous crypto asset activities under regulatory oversight for the first time.
Additionally, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is preparing to introduce a consultation for a licensing regime for digital asset firms and is considering equivalence measures for international companies.
This regulatory momentum is underscored by the FCA’s recent approval of the first set of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), a significant step in integrating digital assets into the UK’s financial infrastructure.
Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView
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